Inside the grand pavilion, Wang Chu surveyed his disciples. Curiosity and awe crept across their faces. "Welcome to our new home," he said with a commanding yet welcoming tone. "Here, we will train and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead."
"Master," Murong Lingyun spoke up determinedly, "what are your orders?"
"Murong Lingyun, I need you to use all of your connections around the empire," Wang Chu commanded firmly but lightly, "reach out and find me a suitable tutor for Xiao Chi."
Understanding how crucial it was to find someone who would be instrumental in guiding Xiao Chi's development, Murong Lingyun nodded confidently. "Consider it done, Master," he assured.
With no time wasted on idle chit-chatting, Su Chen approached his master next. The two had a mutual understanding when it came to business as usual so there was no need for any extra fluff. Su Chen knew why they were here and where they were going already.
"Su Chen," Wang Chu began, handing over a piece of Atherstone to him. "I have come up with an intense and rigorous training schedule for both you and Murong Lingyun." Giving the stone into his hands he continued saying, "Keep this on you at all times." Again in his firm yet light tone.
"These stones," his voice taking on a slightly different tone one could call reverent as if in deep thought about something great. They carry within them the essence of cosmic energies…" He explained cryptically while staring deeply into their eyes making sure that every syllable made its way deeply into their souls inspiring them properly for what was about to come.
Hearing how heavy these stones were seemed strange considering just how small they were. However, as he continued speaking they started making sense as well as their true purpose. "You are to carry these aetherstones with you for eight hours each day," said Wang Chu, now staring into the distance as if seeing something divine. "This will test your endurance, discipline, and connection to elemental energies."
Wang Chu then turned his attention towards Xiao Chi who was patiently awaiting his turn. The moment he does, taking with him a small ornate vessel known as the ambrosia vessel.
"Xiao Chi," he said softly and gently, "this vessel contains a special nourishing milk." Handing it over to him, "Drink from it daily to strengthen your body and cultivate your inner energies."
As soon as Xiao Chi set eyes on it he felt something important resonate within him. Lifting it into his own hands and realizing how good it feels to be the one holding such an elegant yet powerful artifact in his possession.
Old Ji quietly watched all of this unfold before him trying his best not to show any signs that he was impressed while doing just so anyway at each new treasure being handed out. Seeing an Atherstone of this size alone is already rare in higher realms let alone lower ones like here.
Murong Lingyun looked at the stone more deeply than anyone else here did. "Master…" His voice was barely above a whisper but loud enough for everyone close by to hear, "… This thing…" His eyebrows furrowed slightly as if confused or puzzled by what was placed before him.
Wang Chu glared at Murong Lingyun with wise eyes that carried eons worth of knowledge behind them before opening up about its true nature."This is an Atherstone." He explained still speaking rather cryptically "Born of dead stars." Letting everything sink in for a little bit before continuing further saying. "aetherstone can double its size and weight every time someone take its trapped qi to use it in their cultivation"
Su Chen's face remained calm throughout all of this event though his mind was racing as if trying to solve a puzzle that didn't exist. Taking the stone from Wang Chu he held it in his palm and ran his fingers over its surface.
While everyone else had their thoughts about what they were seeing, Murong Lingyun's decision to approach Han Ming for Xiao Chi's tutoring seemed all the better after having seen and felt this stone in person.
"Master." He said finally breaking the silence that had taken place since everyone started trying to comprehend everything coming their way. "I have someone in mind for Xiao Chi's tutoring."
Wang Chu raised an eyebrow out of curiosity. "Oh? Tell me more."
Murong Lingyun nodded, "His name is Han Ming. I only met him once, but it feels like we've known each other for a very long time. He's knowledgable about cultivation, and also has a lot of knowledge about the empire."
"Xiao Chi's needs are not limited to cultivation," Murong Lingyun said, "he needs to get an understanding of basic education, etiquette, and a sense of the realm. Han Ming is more than capable of teaching that."
Wang Chu nodded his head as he thought about Murong Lingyun's words. "Alright then, contact Han Ming and see if it would be possible for him to guide Xiao Chi in all aspects of his growth. We need someone patient and knowledgeable enough to teach him during his cultivation journey."
The reason why Wang Chu chose such a tutor was that he knew - after gaining the reward from the system that would give him 400 years of cultivation, he might soon break through to Domain Creation Realm which was one level under Eternal Realm. When that happened, there will be a long period where Wang Chu will have no choice but to go into seclusion.
Although Old Ji was currently injured at the Eternal Realm stage and had been injured for many years, just knowing that this person used to be an ancestor at Deva Realm reassured Wang Chu. He couldn't think of anyone stronger coming here in such a short amount of time unless there were unexpected circumstances next.
The main problem was his disciples because even though Su Chen and Murong Lingyun were geniuses in their own right; they still needed guidance in their cultivation journeys. Especially with regards to Murong Lingyun who hadn't even learned any Foundation Arts from Wang Chu yet or fighting techniques as well his own movement arts and cultivation methods.
After dealing with Xiao Chi's matters first, Master Wang Chu decided to pass on some crucial techniques to Murong Lingyun. With a nod, he said, "Murong Lingyun, I will teach you some arts and techniques for your cultivation."
Murong Lingyun's eyes brightened with anticipation as he bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I am ready."
With the first technique being Foundation Art - which is what one needs to master before they can achieve profound success in their cultivation - Wang Chu began the transfer of knowledge. "Today, I will teach you the Foundation Art: Primordial Essence Method," he declared with an authoritative voice that emitted knowledge and wisdom. "The Primordial Essence Method connects you to the primordial energies of the universe itself, refining your essence and Qi."
Next came Movement Art, which was essential for agility and speed – things needed in combat and day-to-day affairs. "Ethereal Dance Form will be your method," Wang Chu announced as he drew upon not only his own experience but also nature itself. "It combines the fluidity of water, speed of wind, and grace of ethereal."
Finally was the Fighting Technique - something necessary for both offense and defense during battles. "Your Thunderous Seraph Strike cultivates thunderous might," Wang Chu proclaimed with a powerful voice before continuing louder than before. "It strikes at lightning-fast speeds with precision ferocity."
Each technique was received by Murong Lingyun with solemn reverence as determination shone in his eyes when he spoke while clenching his fists tightly together. "I will not let down these techniques."
Murong Lingyun stood in the quiet recesses of the pavilion, his mind focused on the techniques newly bestowed upon him. He closed his eyes, delving deep into his inner senses to assess the essence of these profound arts. The Foundation Art: Primordial Essence Method resonated within him, drawing a harmonious connection with the primordial energies swirling in the universe. It was as if each breath he took refined his essence and Qi, aligning them with the cosmic rhythms.
Next, he visualized the Ethereal Dance Form, the Movement Art gifted by Wang Chu. Its fluidity mirrored the interconnectedness of water and wind, while its grace embodied the ethereal realms. As he mentally danced through its motions, he felt a surge of agility and speed coursing through his imaginary form. The technique seemed tailor-made for his Chrono Visionary Sight, enhancing his ability to foresee and counter future threats.
Finally, Murong Lingyun delved into the Thunderous Seraph Strike, Wang Chu's Fighting Technique. Thunderous might coalesced around him, and lightning-fast strikes materialized in his mind's eye. The precision and ferocity of each strike left an indelible mark on his consciousness, promising devastating power under his control.
Opening his eyes, Murong Lingyun felt a surge of confidence and gratitude towards his master. Wang Chu had not only recognized his strengths but also tailored these techniques to resonate with his unique abilities. The combination of his Chrono Visionary Sight with the ethereal movements of the dance form promised a synergy that could turn the tide in any battle.
With newfound determination, Murong Lingyun bowed respectfully to Wang Chu, his eyes shining with resolve. "Thank you, Master, for these profound gifts. I will hone them diligently, for they align perfectly with my strengths and aspirations."